Logging mistakes harm forest ecosystem

During the past five years, state foresters have been clear-cutting diseased and aging timber across Central and Western Massachusetts. But forestry officials acknowledged that they sometimes violate their own rules.

The result: landscapes in areas such as October Mountain, Savoy State Forest, and Chester-Blandford State Forest have been dramatically altered, creating a public outcry.

From left: Volunteers Chris Matera of Northampton and Claudia Hurley of Westfield stood among the tree stumps.